Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti says Aurelien Tchouameni is ready to return from an ankle injury.

Tchouameni, 24, has missed Madrid’s last five games since suffering a sprain in Madrid’s Champions League loss to AC Milan before the international break.

“He is doing very well, he has trained well and recovered well,” Ancelotti said on Tuesday ahead of Madrid’s trip to Athletic Club on Wednesday. “He is ready to play from the first minute. We’ll see tomorrow where I’ll put him.”

“What we have to think is that it’s good that he’s back. This is important to add a little to the squad and nothing more.

“Aurelien has proven his usefulness at a defensive level, as a center back or pivot. He is a very important player for us because he gives us the strength we need even from set pieces, an important aspect of the game in which we suffered.”

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Tchouameni’s return is a boost for a Madrid side still plagued by injuries despite the return of Rodrygo in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Getafe.

The France international has made 15 appearances in all competitions this season.

Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal are out until next year with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, while David Alaba is still recovering from the injury he sustained in 2023.

Vinicius Junior will also be out for a few weeks due to a thigh injury.

Madrid travel to Bilbao one point behind leaders Barcelona, ​​having played a game less than their Clasico rivals.

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